Ocean Springs News
MEDIA PRESS RELEASE - for immediate release
December 28th, 2009 | For details and information concerning this release, please contact Johnnie Bernhard at (228) 875-2209.
OS Board of Aldermen Approve Annexation Ordinance
Ocean Springs, MS – At the December 15 meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, the board approved adoption of an ordinance beginning annexation proceedings on approximately 11.6 square miles in the unincorporated areas of Highway 57 and Interstate 10, adjacent to the existing city limits. Approximately 1,500 people currently reside in the proposed annexation area.
The proposed annexation includes areas west of Highway 57 to Fort Bayou and north of the interstate, and along some areas of Old Spanish Trail, including the new high school property. The proposed annexation does not include St. Andrews or Gulf Park Estates. School district boundaries will not be impacted by the City’s annexation.
City officials have determined that the annexation of this area is required by the public convenience and necessity. Annexation service plans for the area include fire and police, street lighting and repairs, planning and zoning, code enforcement, building inspections, water, and sewer. City officials are currently planning for additional patrol officers and firefighters.
“The annexation of this area will allow sustained growth to continue in our east corridor,” explained Mayor Connie Moran. “Ocean Springs has recognized the need to extend the same quality services and infrastructure to residents and businesses just outside our city limits as we do for our current citizens, including city water which has annually received a perfect rating from the state’s department of health. We have already initated extension of water and sewer along Hwy. 57 and Ocean Springs Road, and are constructing our new public safety facility on east Hwy. 90. We aim to provide ample police and fire protection to our new high school and surrounding development in that area.
“The Board of Aldermen has studied the plan and we feel it is in the best interest of the city and the new area. We are moving forward,” said Moran.
The city anticipates the initial annexation hearing to begin in spring 2010.
